Moments In Time

Epilogue: 2 Years Later

"Really?" Kacey asked sarcastically as Zayn tattooed the date on his wrist, just under his last MSG appearance.

"Yes, love, really," he replied with a grin. "I'm going to want to remember tonight."

"You already have the nights of your first concerts here, both with the band and as a solo artist," Kacey added on, sitting on his lap as he put his tattoo kit away. "I don't know what's so special about tonight."

"Reunion show, babe. A final hurrah from the band who lost the X Factor, but won the world," Zayn said, rolling his eyes with a smile.

"I wasn't with you guys on the X Factor," Kacey reminded him.

"It's a shame," Liam said from behind them. "We would have won for sure."

Kacey grinned, excited for the show. She was already dressed in her black dress and boots, complete with blue jewelry. Her hair was pulled back in a half pony tail, so it wouldn't get in her eyes while performing. It was nice to be back, to perform with her best friends one more time.

"Anyway, it's almost time, guys," Liam said. "We ready?"

Zayn hopped up, excited as he took Kacey's hand.

"Absolutely. Hey, babe, go on out," he said, kissing her hand quickly. "I need a minute with Liam."

Kacey shrugged and kissed his cheek before leaving. As she did, she thought back on how the past two years went for them.

Zayn recorded another album, their relationship inspiring the entire thing. We Always Knew... ended up debuting at number 1 in 73 countries. Every single released made it into the top 5. It was nominated for award after award, and nearly won them all. One award stood out above the rest though: the Grammy for best R&B album. There wasn't a dry eye in the building when he accepted it.

Kacey had done a year with AGT before deciding to pursue her own career in writing. She would always love singing, but she was always unhappy with the promotion and the touring and the ever so present speculation that came with One Direction, so she decided that she was done with singing for a living. Writing was something she loved, something she wouldn't have to worry about getting tired of doing. It wasn't exhausting, and she wouldn't get nearly as frustrated with it like she did with recording.

She and Zayn had moved in together a year after dating, deciding to stay in New York rather than Los Angeles. While they had their petty disagreements from time to time, they still had fun together. He would offer his opinions on her writing, she would help him harmonize a song. Living together didn't bore them, like it would so many other couples. They were both so busy during the day that they looked forward to coming home to each other at night.

He'd just gotten done with a tour, and this show tonight would be his last before a well deserved break. He'd mentioned maybe getting a dog, the first since his Rhino died, and Kacey had been looking around for one he'd like.

"Okay, we ready?" Zayn asked, leaving the room with Liam, who had a big smile on his face.

"Yeah," she said. "Let's do this."

.....

The crowd screamed as they finished "Where Do Broken Hearts Go". Louis flung an arm around Kacey and grinned at her.

"Kacey, how awesome do these people look at MSG tonight?" he asked.

"There's not a word to describe how awesome they are!" she exclaimed, and the crowd roared.

"How about we introduce the next song?" Louis asked her, quirking his brow while grinning like the Cheshire cat.

"Yes, I think we should," Kacey said. "Ladies and gentleman, sing along if you remember Diana!"

They ran to take their places as the music began. Louis, Kacey, and Niall stayed on one side of the stage as the other three were on the other.

They all performed their asses off onstage that night, and finally, they got to the last song. They'd decided to end things with "Little Things". The five of them had decided that unanimously, and Kacey, although she wanted to end with Drag Me Down, was so happy to see them in agreeance that she didn't object.

They all sat on chairs that were arranged in a semi circle. Kacey and Zayn were on the outside, opposite from each other. She reminded herself that she didn't have to refrain from looking at him like she used to, and smiling, she began to sing.

"Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me
But bear this in mind, it was meant to be
And I'm joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks
And it all makes sense to me..."

Zayn smiled lovingly at her as Liam sang his solo, and then Zayn began his own. However, as he sang, he stood up and walked toward her.

"I won't let these little things
Slip out of my mouth
But if I do
It's you
Oh it's you
They add up to
I'm in love with you
And all these little things"

The music stopped abruptly as Zayn reached her. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

"What are you doing?" she whispered, confused. The crowd was confused as well as Zayn began to speak.

"I can't let this concert end without giving you guys one last thing," he said to the fans. "I was talking to the guys and we decided you all deserved one last, huge surprise, and I thought there was no better time or place to do this at than tonight, at Madison Square Garden. "

"See," he said, pulling Kacey up and walking with her to the edge of the stage. "You all saw my relationship with my lovely girlfriend coming, long before we both knew it ourselves. You watched us go from strangers, to friends, and even to lovers, even if we were clueless at the time."

"You two were clueless," Harry said. "We weren't."

Kacey rolled her eyes playfully as Zayn glared.

"So on that note," he continued. "It's only fitting that you guys get to see me begin to write this next chapter."

Zayn kneeled in front of Kacey as the crowd screamed. Kacey's jaw dropped open as she realized what he was doing.

"Zayn Malik, you're crazy," she said, her eyes welling with tears as he opened up a box to show a ring.

"Kacey, I love you, and I always have," he said with a grin on his face. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you please let me be your husband?"

Kacey looked behind him at the smug looks of her other bandmates. It all made sense now, their secret meetings and changing the set list and Zayn needing to talk to Liam before the show.

This had been a plan for a while now.

Kacey looked back at Zayn with tears in her eyes. She nodded happily.

"It's about time," she said, laughing through her tears.

"She said yes!" Zayn shouted in his microphone as the crowd cheered. He hugged her tightly, and felt his bandmates joining in around them.

"Our last group hug," muttered Niall, who was closest to Kacey. "Can't think of a more fitting moment."

"Should we finish the song?" Louis asked as they all broke apart, wiping their eyes.

"Let's do it acapella, final chorus," Kacey suggested, finally turning her mic back on.

"Alright," Zayn said, holding her hand. "One, two, three..."

"I won't let these little things
Slip out of my mouth
But if it's true
It's you
It's you
They add up to
I'm in love with you
And all your little things"

"Thank you everyone!" Liam said as Zayn pulled Kacey close to him. "For tonight, and for every night you've been with us!"

They all took one more bow, and Zayn squeezed Kacey's hand as they did.

One Direction may have been officially over, but their life together was just beginning.